LVMAC Tidbit – Social Security Promises Expedited Veterans Disability Claims

Many veterans with a VA-rated disability are unaware they may also be entitled to a Social Security benefit program known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) service-connected compensation program, it too has come under congressional scrutiny for its processing times. However, on 19 February Social Security Administration (SSA) officials announced plans to expedite disability claims for individuals with a VA approved, 100 percent disability rating.

The agency had already offered the quicker processing for active-duty troops who are wounded, injured or ill due to service (It is another little known fact that you can receive SSDI while remaining on active duty, under certain conditions).

This latest action could reduce months of waiting for payouts and is expected to begin Mid-March of 2014.  While it does not guarantee approval for the benefit, it does guarantee expedited processing if the veteran has a 100 percent disability rating from the VA.  Therefore, veterans must ensure they identify themselves as a 100 percent disabled veteran when they submit their claim to alert the processors.

For more information and understanding, go to our Social Security Benefits and You as a Veteran page found under Answers Desk.

###

As of 25 February 2014